Ex-Champion Believes Dubois “Has a Big Chance” Against Usyk

Former world champion Carl Frampton believes that Daniel Dubois has a real shot at defeating Oleksandr Usyk in a potential rematch.

“I give Dubois a pretty big chance.

Usyk will still be the favorite, but Daniel has a solid chance of winning this one. If you remember how the first fight went — the body shot, or whatever it was — I still think that was a legal punch.

But Usyk took advantage of the moment. The fight was in Poland, not far from Ukraine, and he was seen as the home fighter. He used his experience, took his time, gathered himself, and got up. And we saw what happened after — he won. I think if the ref had started a count, Usyk would’ve stood up and continued. But he wisely played it off as a low blow — on the 'bells,' or whatever you want to call it.

Dubois is a better fighter now than he was in the first fight. He needs to impose his style, land something big to win. He’s not going to win on points — unless he scores multiple knockdowns. Usyk is a boxing master, he reads opponents mid-fight. That’s why Daniel’s jab will be absolutely crucial.

Usyk has some vulnerability to the body. So you’ve got to hit the body when the opportunity’s there. Most importantly, he needs to turn it into a close-range fight. Use his size. Make it physical — not a technical fight at range. Even though Dubois is the bigger man, Usyk is too smart to take damage from long range. So Daniel has to stay close, work the jab, and go to the body when he sees the opening,” Frampton said.

Earlier, insider Mike Coppinger reported that Usyk and Dubois are in talks to stage their rematch on July 12 at Wembley Stadium.